The first sight of key monastery is simply breathtaking. Tucked away high in the Himalayas is a Buddhist wonderland which is known by the name of Key Monastery. At 4,166 meters, this monastery stands in a serene and calm ambiance which can only be felt. Yet, I will try to make this post as lively as possible for you so that you can experience and might of Key Monastery Spiti valley.
Centre of Mandala
In the Buddhist circuit, Key monastery in Spiti Himachal Pradesh is also known as Monastery located at center of Mandala. The spiritual significance of this monastery is immense since times immemorial and Key monastery spiti is home of reincarnation of Lochen Rinchen Zangpo who lived in the period from 958 to 1055AD.
This monastery is also considered in lineage to ancient Kadampa lineage. When you visit this holy shrine of Buddhists you will find a large assembly hall which has numerous wall hangings which relate to life of Lord Buddha. Equally impressive is the adjoining prayer room having the traditional prayer wheel and statues of Padmasambhava and Amitayus.
A mere spin of the wheel sends positive vibes through the atmosphere, and you will feel the magical essence instantly. This is the real power or magical ethos that Key Monastery possesses.
Those in quest of achieving spiritual fulfilment have made Key Monastery in Spiti Himachal Pradesh their home. This monastery is home to over 200 monks who receive their initial education till class X here. Along with curriculum they are also engrossed in religious learnings which further strengthen as they move on to accomplish higher studies in Buddhist scriptures.
Image courtesy: Image by Jeevan Singla from Pixabay
Key Monastery History
This is a historic monastery in Key village of Spiti region. You can consider its historic and religious relevance from the fact that it was established in early 15th century by Sherpa Zangpo. This monastery has seen a lot of political upheaval which caused lot of destruction over centuries. This is something which seems abnormal now considering the fact that Key monastery is serene and calm today!
Mangol army invaded this monastery during 17th century and during this phase, key monastery spiti valley was a part of Gelugpa school of Buddhism. Dogra Army in 1841 also caused large scale damage to Key Monastery and Sikh army also caused a lot of destruction here in the same year.
A fire during 1840s and a major earthquake in 1975 also caused a lot of damage to this monastery. It has been due to earnest efforts put in by Archaeological Survey of India that Key monastery has been restored to its evident glory which attracts visitors from all across the globe.
Key Monastery Photos
Lochal incarnations over a time have been able to bring and preserve a range of key monastery photos and wall hangings. These were brought from Central Tibet region. The top floor of key monastery is known to have a special room for His Holiness The Dalai Lama and a unique room that has remains of Lochen Tulku from the 18th century which is a miracle in itself. The monastery’s protector deities find a special room in the lower floor. In the third floor from top, Key monastery has a special assembly hall where rituals are held occasionally.
Wall hangings and especially the statue of future Buddha Maitreya find a place in this very floor. The stunning architecture of Key monastery in Spiti is unique indeed and attracts a large number of visitors from all across the globe.
Key Monastery Ceremonies
As this is a monastery which literally means a hold place for those with belief in Buddhism, a range of religious festivities keep taking place throughout the year.
Guitor Religious Ceremony
June or July are reserved for a sacred rite in Key Monastery. Guitor is observed in these months. This is one of the widely popular events at Key monastery as Chaam dancers wear masks which resemble divine Gods and perform dance which is considered a religious entity. All this while, they recite powerful mantras which are known to keep away all the evils.
As this Chaam dance procession comes to a close, a butter sculpture of a devil is set to fire. This represents victory of good over evil, a tradition which is celebrated across all religions including Hindus in the form of Dusshera.
The next such event is likely to be held in July 2025 and shall be visited by devotees from all over the region and worldwide too.
Yenne Gaaye
This special event or celebration is held during month of August and September and will be held in 2025. This is a much-awaited event and around 200 monks of the monastery visit neighbouring region during this duration. They bless all the villagers and pray for their well-being. As people in Spiti region are God fearing, this event is specially revered by one and all. The blessings of monks from Key Monastery ward off all the evil spirits and people are blessed with goodwill and prosperity.
Tushita Heaven
Buddha’s decent from Heaven is also celebrated as Tushita Heaven by the Buddhists. It is said that Lord Buddha had returned back to Lord Indra’s heaven and his disciple Maudgalyayana prayed for Lord Buddha to return to this earth. These celebrations are done as he did return on request. Tushita Heaven celebration shall be done in the month of November.
Apart from these celebrations like lama Tsongkhapa daya and Saka Dawa are also celebrated during the course of the year.
Image courtesy: Image by Jeevan Singla from Pixabay
Important Points about Key Monastery in Spiti
Stay at Key Monastery
Key monastery offers a unique opportunity in the form that you can stay with the lamas for a day in case you so desire. However during this duration, you will have to abide by the instructions given by the monks as this is a revered religious site. It will cost you Rs 250/- per day to stay with the monks and it includes your charges for meals too which would be same to what the monks at the monastery eat.
How to reach Key Monastery
If you intend to travel by air, the nearest airport is at Shimla which is 341 Km from Key village. In case you intend to travel by bus, you can take a bus from Shimla to Kaza which runs through Kinnaur, the year throughout expect for the duration when snowfall blocks the region briefly.
What to Eat at Key Monastery
Apart from the usual food that you can get at Key Monastery, the tea and Tsampa served at the monastery is truly amazing. Tsampa is prepared by mixing few spoonful of Tsampa flour into a bowl with salted tea and butter. This flour is mixed with fingertips of right hand and on rolling for few minutes it gets uniform and small balls of same can be prepared. Amazing and unique Tsampa is ready to savour thereafter.
Key monastery is a lifetime experience! You should visit it once and understand the real meaning of life which we at times forget in our daily life as we encounter challenges and remain engrossed in leading a happy life which we do not truly have.
Pack your bags for a week and head to Spiti. You will return back enriched lot!
Featured image courtesy: Image by Rajat from Pixabay
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